IH 300 Loader and Drag Links/Power Steering Questions

Hello Everyone,

A few months ago I inherited a 1956 IH 300U and have recently begun bringing it back to working condition. My family bought this tractor used from an auction sale back in 1997 and it has definitely seen better days.
There is a Wagner WMD6 Loader on it that is an absolute mess of what seem to be custom setup hydraulics. (There are a bunch of in-line shut off valves that don't seem to have an actual purpose?) so if anyone knows where I can find a manual or if anyone is selling one please tell me.
Also, as it is a 300U with no power steering and a loader, it is an absolute bear to steer and just doesn't seem to respond properly to anything save putting all of your weight on the steering wheel.

I plan on having the steering box off in the upcoming weeks to give it a thorough inspection and to re-lube it, which brings me to the drag link tubes--The tubes have definitely seen better days and are horribly bent out of shape. One side has a piece of angle iron welded to it and the other a piece of rebar, so there's no hope in saving the existing tubes, so if anyone knows where I might find some replacement drag link tubes, let me know.

Lastly, once the tubes are replaced, I'm looking at getting power steering for her. I know that Jackson Power Steering has their kit, but has anyone had luck making their own for less money? If so, some pictures would be greatly appreciated.
 
You're describing exactly what happens to those tractors with a loader. My 300U came a loader and I got rid of it. It even caused odd where where the front end pivots. Fortunately it didn't do much damage to the steering other than strip the splines on the steering wheel.The tractor steers hard without a loader compared to other similar tractors. Can't help you with the power steering problem. I know units made for it aren't too plentiful and expensive.
 
Were it mine (and Jackson was too dear) I would put a linkage type system on it from a 1960 ford car. They respond to motion from the steering box arm and assist by moving that drag link. it will take two of them (one on each drag link. A priority valve could be used from a 300/350U with PS , or a PS pump from a medium duty truck. A double pulley on the Gen/Alt would get access to power. Jim
 
My 300U with a Wagner loader also came with bent steering tubes. I straightened them out and found that the tubes hit the loader frame when trying to steer. Turned out they were bent for a reason. I don't do much loader work with mine, even with factory power steering. I've broken one front spindle and one of the steering levers (that attach to the steering box) that move the steering tubes. I mainly use the bucket to run interference with ant hills and other obstacles when pasture mowing.
 
if you are looking for set of draglinks I have a set of used ones. part no 362822r93 and 362823r93. they are in good condition. if interested give me a call 989 912 0083
 
Name a tractor in 1955 that was a better loader tractor.It fit in tight quarters and low profile, we had a 300U with IH loader in the 50's and it sure was better than most and if you don't believe me just get a pitch ford and try loading a spreader all day long.
 
Duane Rushlo, thanks. I'll likely be giving you a call soon about those drag links.
I know the 300 wasn't built for loader use, but at the moment it's my only loader and like supermpuller said, it is a nice little tractor that fits into tight spaces. We don't use the loader too often, our Farmall A and JD D cover the rest of our work, but when we do need it it comes in handy.

I'm hoping the steering gears aren't too badly damaged, but we'll see. Hopefully by the end of the month she'll be running a bit smoother.
 

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